Sprinkler Assembly With Magnetic Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems lack accuracy in rotating nozzle positioning, are difficult to maintain and repair, and do not offer remote control or reconfiguration capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in irrigation management.
Innovation Solution
A motorized sprinkler with a magnetic sensing system for determining the elevation and angular position of the nozzle, a waterproof motor housing, and integrally molded body compartments that include a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, allowing for remote control and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motorized sprinkler with magnetic sensing system is used, then positioning accuracy of the nozzle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensing system is integrated within the sprinkler body structure, with the magnet mounted on the rotating nozzle assembly and the magnetic sensor embedded in the stationary body. This nesting approach allows the sensing system to be contained within the existing sprinkler housing, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning mechanisms with a magnetic sensing system. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages, gears, or optical systems to detect nozzle position, the invention uses a simple magnet and magnetic sensor arrangement that provides accurate angular and elevation positioning through magnetic field detection, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the pilot valve is integrated within the sprinkler body compartment, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler body is divided into distinct compartments, with the pilot valve housed in a separate accessible compartment. This segmentation allows the pilot valve to be independently accessed for maintenance while keeping the overall sprinkler structure organized and manageable. The compartmentalization enables repair personnel to service the pilot valve without disassembling the entire sprinkler assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler body compartment structure serves multiple functions: it houses the pilot valve, provides structural support, and creates accessible maintenance spaces. By designing the compartment to accommodate the pilot valve while maintaining the integrity of the overall sprinkler body, the structure achieves multi-functionality that reduces the need for additional external components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote control capability is added to the sprinkler system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensing system provides feedback on the actual nozzle position (both angular and elevation) to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the remote control system to accurately determine the current state of the sprinkler and make precise adjustments, improving adaptability while keeping the control logic relatively simple through direct position reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system acts as an intermediary between the physical nozzle position and the remote control system. By converting mechanical position into magnetic field signals that can be easily transmitted and processed, the sensing system simplifies the interface between the physical sprinkler mechanism and the remote control electronics, reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise watering arc adjustments, reduces maintenance time by allowing pilot valve replacement without shutting down the water supply, and enhances system reliability through remote monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is positioned on the riser assembly and a magnetic sensor is positioned in the sprinkler body, allowing the sensor to detect the position of the magnet, and thereby the position of the riser assembly and nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an improved sprinkler design having a magnetic sensing system for determining the position of the riser nozzle, a waterproofed motor housing and related cables, configurable sprinkler body compartments, and a pilot valve with a check valve assembly, both of which are located within the sprinkler body.